EU targets pollution with review of fuel-burning plants

(BRUSSELS) - The EU Commission took action Monday against pollution from large combustion plants, such as power stations and district heating plants - responsible for about one-third of all air pollutants from industry.

Large combustion plants, that is, with a total thermal input of more than 50 megawatt, irrespective of the type of fuel used, are the biggest sectoral emitters in the EU.

This means more cost-effective and technically feasible reductions of emissions are required, says the Commission.

The adoption an implementing act by the Commission brings into effect "Best Available Technique" (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants.

These are techniques that are environmentally performing, economically viable and technically proven and developed through a transparent and thorough process over several years with EU Member States, industry and environmental NGOs.

For all affected installations (around 3,500 in the EU) the Commission proposes that a review of their permits must happen within four years, so that by mid-2021 stricter EU-wide standards for all large combustion plants will be met.

Tackling pollution from large combustion plants is in line with Commission priorities to steer the on-going energy transition towards a low emission economy.

The EU executive says clean energy transition is a priority and the aim of its 'Clean Energy for all Europeans' package presented last November aims is to provide a stable regulatory framework to deliver on the transformation of the energy system, which will be crucial for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.